The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2027 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize

Overview The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources invites nominations for the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science 2027, Australia's most prestigious awards for achievements in scientific research and research-based innovation, the practice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, and excellence in science teaching. This opportunity relates specifically to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize. About The Prime Minister's Prizes for Science expects to award approximately $1.4 million each year in 2027, 2028 and 2029, noting the total funding awarded in any year may vary if more than one recipient is awarded a prize, across three prize categories: the Science Prizes, the Science Teaching Prizes, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize. Information on the other prizes can be found on the Science page and Science Teaching page. Nominations of candidates from diverse backgrounds and of all gender identities are particularly encouraged. Purpose The Knowledge Systems Prize celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led projects that benefit Australian Indigenous peoples, communities or place, and contribute to solving a significant challenge through the practice and preservation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. Funding Total Amount Available (AUD): $250,000.00 Estimated Grant Value (AUD): From $250,000.00 to $250,000.00 The prize recipient receives a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and prize money Where the prize is awarded to a team, each member will receive a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and an equal portion of the prize money Where the prize is awarded to a community group (up to 4 representatives), the group will receive a medallion, lapel pin, award certificate and the prize money will be awarded to the community group The Minister may approve more than one recipient for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize, subject to the availability of grant funds Highly ranked nominees may be recognised through the awarding of highly commended certificates Eligibility There are 3 nomination types available for this prize: Individual, Team, and Community Groups. To be eligible for a Knowledge Systems Prize, nominees must: Be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person Be an individual, a member of an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander-led team (including family groups), or a representative of a community group (see glossary in the grant opportunity guidelines) Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia Not be self-nominated Not be nominated for more than one prize per year across the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. Where a nominee is nominated in more than one prize, the nominee will be asked to select a single nomination to pursue at Stage 1 Practice knowledge systems as part of a project with a demonstrable benefit to Australian Indigenous peoples, communities and/or place, and to Australia more broadly Where a nomination is for a team or a community group, up to 4 nominees may be named per nomination. All nominees must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. For nominations of community groups, the selected nominees will be representatives for the whole community group. Previous nominees are eligible for renomination. A new nomination must be submitted by a nominator via the online nomination form. The full eligibility criteria is available in the guidelines. How to Apply Nominations can be submitted via the online nomination form at: Nominate for the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems Prize Enquiries Phone: 13 28 46 Email: enquiries@industry.gov.au